A physical education teacher helps students stay active, learn new sports and build healthy habits. They plan and teach lessons in schools and colleges. These lessons may include football, swimming, gymnastics, dance and athletics. They also teach students about fitness, teamwork and fair play. In the UK, some PE teachers also teach GCSE PE, BTEC Sport and A-Level Physical Education. Recent education figures show that 82,185 students in England took GCSE Physical Education exams. This was a 3.7% rise from the previous year. However, A-Level PE entries fell slightly to 11,540, compared with 11,815 previously. PE teachers also organise sports events, run after-school clubs and keep sports equipment safe. So, what does a PE teacher do each day? What skills and qualifications do you need? 

This guide explains their duties, salary, skills and career options. 

What Does a Physical Education Teacher Do?

A physical education (PE) teacher helps students enjoy sports, exercise and stay healthy. Their daily duties include:

  • Plan PE lessons: They prepare fun lessons for different ages and skill levels. For example, one class may learn football, while another practises gymnastics.
  • Teach different sports: Activities may include football, basketball, cricket, swimming and athletics. Teachers explain the rules and show students how to play.
  • Improve students’ fitness: Through running, jumping and stretching, they help students build strength, speed and balance.
  • Promote teamwork: Sports teach children to work together and respect others. PE teachers also encourage fair play and healthy habits.
  • Check students’ progress: They look at each student’s skills, effort and teamwork. They also give helpful advice to support improvement.
  • Keep students safe: Before lessons, teachers check sports equipment and playing areas. During activities, they explain safety rules and help students warm up and cool down.

What Skills Does a Physical Education Teacher Need?

A good PE teacher needs more than sports skills. They must also understand students and explain things clearly. Most importantly, they should make every lesson fun and safe. PE teachers need to explain sports and activities in easy words. Clear instructions help students understand what to do. They should also answer questions and give helpful advice.

Good leadership helps teachers guide students during sports and games. They also teach students to work together and respect others. For example, a football game can help students learn teamwork and fair play. Not every student learns at the same speed. Some enjoy sports, while others may feel shy or find activities hard. A patient teacher gives everyone time to learn. They also help each student feel welcome.

PE teachers need to know about sports, exercise and fitness. They should understand game rules and basic sports skills. This knowledge helps them plan useful and fun lessons. Teachers also need to plan lessons and prepare sports equipment. They manage their time and arrange school sports events. Good planning helps each lesson run well. Students can sometimes fall or get hurt during sports. So, PE teachers need to know basic first aid and safety rules. They should check the equipment and watch students during activities. If someone gets hurt, they must act quickly.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a PE Teacher in the UK?

Do you enjoy sports and helping others stay active? Then, becoming a PE teacher could be a good career choice. However, you need the right qualifications and training. Here are the main steps to follow.

Get a relevant university degree

First, you need a degree linked to sports or physical education. For example, you can study sports science or physical education. This helps you learn about sports, fitness and exercise.

Complete teacher training

Next, you need to complete teacher training. You can choose a university course or a teacher training course after your degree. During training, you learn how to plan lessons and manage a class. You also get a chance to teach students in a real school.

Gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

In England, you usually need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to teach in state schools. QTS shows that you meet the required teaching standards. You can gain it through an approved teacher training course. However, the rules may differ across the UK.

Complete any required background checks

Before you work in a school, you need to pass the required safety checks. In England, this usually means an enhanced DBS check. It helps schools check if you can safely work with children. You may also need to provide references and other documents.

Build practical teaching experience

Practical experience helps you feel ready to teach. You can gain it through school placements, sports clubs or volunteer work. For example, you could help coach a school football team. This also helps you learn how to support students with different skills and needs.

How Do You Become a Physical Education Teacher?

You can become a PE teacher by following these five steps. Each step helps you gain the skills and experience you need.

Step 1: Choose a suitable degree course

Start by choosing a university degree in sports science or physical education. This helps you learn about sports, fitness and exercise.

Step 2: Apply for teacher training

Next, apply for a teacher training course. Choose a course that can help you gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You will learn how to plan lessons and manage a class.

Step 3: Complete school placements

During your training, you will spend time in a school. You can watch other teachers and learn how they teach PE. You will also get the chance to teach students yourself.

Step 4: Gain Qualified Teacher Status

In England, you usually need QTS to teach in a state school. You can gain it by completing an approved teacher training course and meeting the required standards.

Step 5: Apply for PE teaching jobs

Once you finish your training, start looking for PE teacher jobs. Check school websites and job sites for openings. Prepare your CV and show your teaching skills and experience. To understand the training routes and entry requirements for PE teachers, you can check the information available on Get Into Teaching GOV.UK. It also covers funding options and the steps involved in teacher training. 

Where Can a PE Teacher Work?

A PE teacher can work in different places across the UK. Most work in schools, but some teach in colleges or sports centres. Each place offers a chance to help people enjoy sports and stay active. In primary schools, PE teachers work with young children. They help pupils learn basic skills through fun games and activities. For example, children may try running, throwing, football and simple gymnastics. These lessons help children enjoy sports and build confidence.

In secondary schools, PE teachers work with older students. They teach different sports and help students improve their skills. Some also teach GCSE PE and other sports subjects. They may run school teams and prepare students for sports events. Further education colleges also offer jobs for PE teachers. They usually teach students aged 16 and over. Some teach sports, fitness, coaching and health courses. They also help students learn skills for jobs in the sports industry.

Private schools employ PE teachers too. These schools may offer many sports and activities. Teachers help pupils improve their fitness and learn new skills. They may also coach school teams and arrange sports events. Some PE teachers work in sports clubs and training centres. They teach sports skills, lead fitness sessions and coach teams. For example, they may teach children football, swimming or tennis. This work is a good choice for people who enjoy coaching others.

How Much Does a Physical Education Teacher Earn in the UK?

A physical education (PE) teacher earns the same basic salary as other state school teachers. Their pay depends on their experience and where they work. In the 2026/2027 academic year, a qualified PE teacher can start on £34,069 a year outside London. With more experience, this can rise to £52,835. You can also visit the National Careers Service to learn about PE teacher duties, career options and salaries. 

PE Teacher Salary in England and Wales

Teachers in London usually earn more because living costs are higher.

Pay level Rest of England and Wales Inner London
Starting salary £34,069 £41,729
Main scale top £46,940 £54,000+
Experienced teacher top £52,835 £64,683

PE Teacher Salary in Scotland and Northern Ireland

In Scotland, a new PE teacher earns around £36,159 during their first year. After this, their pay can rise to £43,383. Experienced teachers can earn up to £54,453. In Northern Ireland, the starting salary is around £31,017. So, your location can make a big difference to your pay.

How Can a PE Teacher Earn More?

PE teachers can earn more by taking on extra duties. For example, they may lead the PE department or organise school sports events. These roles can bring extra pay through Teaching and Learning Responsibility (TLR) payments. They can also move into senior roles, such as assistant headteacher or deputy headteacher. Private schools may offer different pay and benefits too. However, this depends on the school and the role.

What Are the Benefits of Being a PE Teacher?

Teaching PE can be an exciting and rewarding career. You work with students, enjoy sports and help others stay healthy. Here are some main benefits:

  • Help students stay active and healthy: You help students enjoy exercise and build healthy habits. They also learn how to keep their bodies healthy.
  • Make a real difference in students’ lives: Sports teach children teamwork, confidence and respect. You can help them feel proud and believe in themselves.
  • Enjoy an active working day: PE teaching keeps you moving. You spend time outdoors, lead games and take part in sports. So, your day feels active and varied.
  • Learn more about sports and teaching: You can learn new sports, fitness tips and ways to teach. You also build your skills as you work with students.
  • Explore different career options: PE teaching can lead to other jobs. For example, you could become a sports coach, PE team leader or school manager.

What Is the Difference Between a PE Teacher and a Sports Coach?

A PE teacher and a sports coach both help people enjoy sports. However, their jobs are different. A PE teacher mainly works in a school or college. They teach different activities, such as football, swimming and gymnastics. A sports coach usually teaches one sport, such as football or cricket. PE teachers teach students of different ages. They plan lessons, teach new skills and check how students improve. Sports coaches train players and teams. They help players improve their skills and get ready for matches.

Their qualifications are also different. PE teachers usually need a degree and teacher training. In England, they also need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to teach in most state schools. Sports coaches often need training or a qualification in their chosen sport. A sports coach can become a PE teacher. However, they need more than coaching experience. They usually need a suitable degree and teacher training. In England, they also need QTS for most state school jobs.

What Challenges Do PE Teachers Face?

PE teaching has many good points, but it also brings some challenges. You need patience, care and good planning to handle them.

  • Managing large classes: Teaching many students at once can be hard. You need to give clear instructions and make sure everyone can join in. You must also keep students safe.
  • Working with students of different abilities: Some students enjoy sports, while others find them hard. You need to help each student learn at their own pace.
  • Keeping students interested in activities: Not every student likes the same sport. Some enjoy football, while others prefer dance or swimming. Try different activities to keep lessons fun.
  • Managing injuries and safety risks: Students may fall or get hurt during sports. Check the playing area and equipment before each lesson. Also, learn basic first aid.
  • Teaching in different weather conditions: Rain, cold and hot weather can make outdoor lessons hard. So, you may need to move lessons indoors or choose other safe activities.

What Career Opportunities Are Available for PE Teachers?

PE teachers can explore different career paths as they gain experience and develop new skills. Some roles involve leading other teachers, while others focus on sports events and community activities. Here are five options to consider.

  • Head of Physical Education
  • PE Department Leader
  • Sports Development Officer
  • School Sports Coordinator
  • Physical Education Lecturer

A head of PE leads the school’s PE programme. They guide other teachers, plan lessons and manage sports activities. They also make sure students enjoy their PE lessons and learn new skills. This role suits teachers who enjoy leadership. A PE department leader manages the PE team. They support teachers, check students’ progress and help improve lessons. They also arrange sports activities and share useful teaching ideas.

A sports development officer helps more people enjoy sports. They work with schools, clubs or local councils. They organise events and create activities for children and adults. A school sports coordinator arranges sports days, school competitions and after-school clubs. They also work with teachers and local sports clubs to give students more chances to play sports. A physical education lecturer teaches sports, fitness, coaching and exercise at colleges or universities. They also guide students who want sports careers. However, this role often requires higher qualifications and teaching experience.

Start Your Journey as a PE Teacher 

Becoming a physical education teacher is a great way to turn your love of sports into a rewarding career. You can help students improve their fitness, learn new sports and build confidence. The role also allows you to teach important life skills, such as teamwork, discipline and fair play. Although managing classes and keeping students safe can be challenging, the work brings many rewarding moments. With the right degree, teacher training and practical experience, you can build a strong career. You can also move into leadership, sports coaching or other education roles as you gain experience. If you enjoy sports and helping young people grow, this career could be a great choice. 

FAQs

1. Are PE teachers well paid?

Yes, PE teachers can earn a good salary in the UK. Their pay depends on their experience, location and school. They can also earn more by taking on extra duties or senior roles.

2. What is the role of the physical education teacher?

A PE teacher teaches students different sports and fitness activities. They help students stay healthy, learn new skills and work as a team. They also plan lessons, arrange sports events and keep students safe.

3. What qualifications do you need for a PE teacher?

You usually need a degree in physical education or sports science. You also need teacher training and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to teach in most state schools in England.

4. Is PE teaching a good career?

Yes, PE teaching can be a good career if you enjoy sports and working with children. You can help students stay active, build confidence and learn new skills. It also offers chances to grow in your career.

5. Can I become a PE teacher without a degree?

In England, you usually need a degree to become a qualified PE teacher. However, you can study for a teaching degree that includes teacher training and leads to QTS.

6. What’s the average salary for a PE teacher in the UK?

A new PE teacher can earn around £34,000 a year outside London. With more experience, their salary can rise to around £53,000. Teachers in London may earn more.